A1 conjunction Neutral 1 min read

可是

keshi /kʰə̌ ʂɨ/

Use 'keshi' to connect two contrasting ideas, often introducing an unexpected or opposing point.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Indicates contrast or opposition.
  • Connects two opposing ideas or situations.
  • Commonly used in everyday conversation.

Overview

“可是”是汉语中最常用的表示转折关系的连词之一,适用于各种场合。它的基本功能是连接前后两个在意思上形成对比或转折的句子或短语。当你想表达“虽然前面说了A,但实际情况是B”的时候,就可以使用“可是”。它语气比较温和,不像“但是”那样有时会显得比较强烈。

“可是”连接的两个分句,后一个分句往往是说话人更想强调的重点,或者揭示了事情的真实情况、意外的结果等。

它可以放在句子的开头,连接前一句和本句;也可以放在句子的中间,连接两个分句。

“可是”后面可以直接跟动词、形容词或名词性短语,也可以跟完整的句子。

表达个人观点:在陈述一个观点后,提出一个不同的看法或限制条件。

“不过”的转折意味相对较弱,有时更接近于“但是”的语气,但比“可是”更口语化一些,常用于非正式场合,表示轻微的转折或补充说明。

“但是”和“可是”都表示转折,但“但是”的语气通常比“可是”更强烈、更正式一些。在很多情况下,“可是”可以替换“但是”,但“但是”有时替换“可是”会显得语气过重。

“然而”比“可是”和“但是”都更书面化,常用于书面语或正式演讲中,表示更强烈的对比或转折。

Examples

1

我想去公园,可是外面下雨了。

everyday

I want to go to the park, but it's raining outside.

2

这本书很有趣,可是有点长。

informal

This book is very interesting, however it is a bit long.

3

他答应了会来,可是直到现在还没见到人。

everyday

He promised he would come, but we haven't seen him yet.

4

这个计划听起来不错,可是执行起来有困难。

neutral

This plan sounds good, but it's difficult to implement.

Common Collocations

可是不行 but it's not okay / but that won't work
可是我 but I
可是他 but he

Common Phrases

可是不行

but it's not allowed / but that won't work

可是我不知道

but I don't know

可是没办法

but there's nothing that can be done

Often Confused With

可是 vs 但是

'但是' is similar to '可是' but generally carries a stronger tone of contrast. '可是' is often preferred in softer, more conversational contexts.

可是 vs 然而

'然而' is more formal and literary than '可是'. It's typically used in written Chinese or formal speeches to indicate a significant turn or contrast.

Grammar Patterns

A, 可是 B (A, but B) 可是, A (But, A)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

'可是' is a very common conjunction used to express contrast. It is generally considered neutral to informal in register. While it can be used in written contexts, it is most frequently heard in spoken Chinese.


Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes overuse '可是' where a stronger conjunction like '但是' might be more appropriate, or vice versa. Ensure the level of contrast matches the chosen word. Avoid using '可是' at the very end of a sentence.

Tips

💡

Gentle Contrast Connector

Use 'keshi' for a softer way to introduce a contrasting idea. It's perfect for everyday chats.

⚠️

Avoid Ending Sentences

Do not use 'keshi' alone at the end of a sentence to show contrast. It needs to connect two parts.

🌍

Everyday Politeness

Using 'keshi' often softens a statement, making it sound less confrontational and more polite in Chinese interactions.

Word Origin

The character '可' (kě) originally meant 'to allow' or 'able to', and '是' (shì) means 'is' or 'yes'. Together, they evolved to signify a contrast or concession, like 'it is permissible to acknowledge this, but...'.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, expressing disagreement or contrast indirectly is often valued. '可是' allows speakers to present an opposing view without sounding overly confrontational, contributing to harmonious communication.

Memory Tip

Think of '可是' as 'Ke Shi' (like a person's name). Imagine Ke Shi wanted to do something nice, but something else (the contrast) prevented it.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“可是”和“但是”都可以表示转折,但“可是”的语气通常更温和、口语化,而“但是”的语气更强烈、略显正式。在很多情况下两者可以互换,但选择哪个取决于你想要表达的语气强度。

可以。“可是”可以放在句首,连接前一句和本句,表示转折关系。例如:“外面在下雨,可是我必须出去。”

一般不建议将“可是”放在句末单独使用,它主要用于连接两个分句。如果想在句末表达转折意味,可以考虑使用“不过”等词。

“可是”后面可以直接跟动词、形容词、名词短语或者一个完整的句子,用来引出与前面内容相对立或不符的部分。

Test Yourself

fill blank

我想去公园玩,______今天天气不好。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 可是

这里需要一个表示转折关系的词,说明虽然想去公园,但由于天气不好,情况发生了变化。

multiple choice

下列哪个句子正确使用了“可是”?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 他学习很好,可是考试没通过。

第一个选项正确地用“可是”连接了两个意思相反的分句:学习好(正面)和考试没通过(负面)。

sentence building

我/想/买/这件衣服/可是/太贵了

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我想买这件衣服,可是太贵了。

这个句子结构完整,用“可是”连接了“想买”和“太贵了”这两个相对立的意思。

Score: /3

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